[TFSmith 383]

I've always been interested to put my car on a real track, and might actually attempt it. The car is mostly stock with the A5 transmission. I've got some Eibach lowering springs, adjustable control arms front and back (had to get them to properly align the car and not eat tires), CAI, Borla Cat-back, JBA catless mids, and a custom Hemi Fever tune. Wheels are Factory Repro's SRT8 replica's with a staggered set of BFGoodrich G-Force Sport Comp's.

What kind of prep do I need to do to my car for a few laps on the track? I just want to see what kind of times I can get and for the experience. Car is also a daily driver, so not interested in roll cages or gutting the interior.

TFSmith

 

[BlackHemi41]

Very important that your brakes are in top shape. At least above 50% pad life to start with. Change the brake fluid if you haven't within the last year. 6 months may even be more appropriate. DOT 4 would be best, though you can stay with DOT 3 as long as it's not too old. Watch your oil pressures, especially if you are still using 5W-20 that the 5.7L takes. With the automatic, watch your trans temperature as well. Unfortunately I don't know what temps a 5 speed automatic would get to on track, hopefully someone else can chime in.

If you set your camber is close to zero with your adjustable arms, you may find the tires fold under and wash out on turns, especially on the front. Keep an eye on wear patterns throughout, and you may want to increase the pressure to counteract excessive flex. But don't go too high that your reducing contact patch, especially as the tires heat up and pressure increases. It's trial and error.

Being new to it, the most important thing is to be safe, make sure your car is maintained to a high standard for this sort of driving, and don't stuff it into a wall. Have fun, and set aside lots of money because you're gonna want to keep doing it.

 

[turner56]

Let me save you some money. You won't last more than 15 minutes with stock R/T brakes, upgrade your brakes before you go out there. The track manager at my road course was nice enough to give me a credit. I have 6 piston front / 4 piston rears I am putting on before I go out again.

 

[TFSmith 383]

Do the calipers need to be upgraded as well? I can do the pads and rotors myself, but haven't attempted calipers yet. What would be a good "amateur racer" set of rotors, pads, and brake fluid? Right now its got Brake Performance OEM replacements and OEM Dodge pads.

 

[turner56]

I would pick up one of these takeoff sets

https://www.clevelandpap.com/product-category/brake-upgrades/

 

[Pauljw]

I've always been interested to put my car on a real track, and might actually attempt it. The car is mostly stock with the A5 transmission. I've got some Eibach lowering springs, adjustable control arms front and back (had to get them to properly align the car and not eat tires), CAI, Borla Cat-back, JBA catless mids, and a custom Hemi Fever tune. Wheels are Factory Repro's SRT8 replica's with a staggered set of BFGoodrich G-Force Sport Comp's.

What kind of prep do I need to do to my car for a few laps on the track? I just want to see what kind of times I can get and for the experience. Car is also a daily driver, so not interested in roll cages or gutting the interior.

TFSmith

First, what is your experience level, have you ever been on a track? Second, define a few laps. If you're a total noob on a track and you are being literal about the few laps i.e. 3 to 5, then I think your car is already more than capable. Make sure you have 50% or more pad and relatively fresh oil and go have fun. If you get hooked, okay, when you get hooked, then you can start planning for upgrades to keep up with your growing experience.

I'm no racer, but I did just do what you're planning, took my noob butt to the track and put 4 laps in and my mostly stock car was much more capable than I was. I was running 90 to 100 multiple times on each lap and my brakes never faded. I do have bigger brakes as my car has the STP package, but they aren't brembos. I also installed a front strut brace which really helped with cornering, other than having a hemifever tune and a Barton shifter, my car is stock.

If I decide to do this more often than a couple times a year, I may have to upgrade some things, but not yet.

By all means, do this, you will have the time of your life!!

 

[TFSmith 383]

I've always been interested to put my car on a real track, and might actually attempt it. The car is mostly stock with the A5 transmission. I've got some Eibach lowering springs, adjustable control arms front and back (had to get them to properly align the car and not eat tires), CAI, Borla Cat-back, JBA catless mids, and a custom Hemi Fever tune. Wheels are Factory Repro's SRT8 replica's with a staggered set of BFGoodrich G-Force Sport Comp's.

What kind of prep do I need to do to my car for a few laps on the track? I just want to see what kind of times I can get and for the experience. Car is also a daily driver, so not interested in roll cages or gutting the interior.

TFSmith

First, what is your experience level, have you ever been on a track? Second, define a few laps. If you're a total noob on a track and you are being literal about the few laps i.e. 3 to 5, then I think your car is already more than capable. Make sure you have 50% or more pad and relatively fresh oil and go have fun. If you get hooked, okay, when you get hooked, then you can start planning for upgrades to keep up with your growing experience.

I'm no racer, but I did just do what you're planning, took my noob butt to the track and put 4 laps in and my mostly stock car was much more capable than I was. I was running 90 to 100 multiple times on each lap and my brakes never faded. I do have bigger brakes as my car has the STP package, but they aren't brembos. I also installed a front strut brace which really helped with cornering, other than having a hemifever tune and a Barton shifter, my car is stock.

If I decide to do this more often that a couple times a year, I may have to upgrade some things, but not yet. <img src="http://www.challengertalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" />

By all means, do this, you will have the time of your life!!

That’s actually exactly what I was planning. Never been on a track before but always wanted to. So I guess I’ll just have my oil changed and maybe have the brake fluid changed. Then go for an afternoon and learn some stuff lol.

 

[LT1 Iron]

Pauljw- "I do have bigger brakes as my car has the STP package, but they aren't brembos."

You do NOT have "bigger" brakes on an RT with Super Track Pack. The pads are upgraded, but the calipers are the same as the six cylinder Challenger.

OP- look at Wilwood or Baer for six piston brake upgrade kits which do not require the SRT spindles.

"I also installed a front strut brace which really helped with cornering..."

How hard was it to install the front strut brace? How's the fit under the hood? Did you look at the Mopar brace?

 

[Pauljw]

Pauljw- "I do have bigger brakes as my car has the STP package, but they aren't brembos."

You do NOT have "bigger" brakes on an RT with Super Track Pack. The pads are upgraded, but the calipers are the same as the six cylinder Challenger.

OP- look at Wilwood or Baer for six piston brake upgrade kits which do not require the SRT spindles.

"I also installed a front strut brace which really helped with cornering..."

How hard was it to install the front strut brace? How's the fit under the hood? Did you look at the Mopar brace?

My bad, I was under the impression that the STP included upgraded brakes. That's good news for the OP as he won't need to spend a dime on his brakes.

No, I didn't really look at the Mopar brace. I went with a Petty's Garage unit. It took me about 20 minutes to install. The fit and finish is great. I don't remember whether or not I put a picture up, but here's one.

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[turner56]

I have STP factory brakes on my car as well and I can tell you they suck. If you want to go fast on a track that's not an oval you are going to need to upgrade your brakes or just be satisfied with doing Autocross.

 

[Slidd]

There's three braking systems on Challenger not counting the Brembos ..

BR3
front: single piston, vented 12.6" rotor
rear: single piston, solid 12.6" rotor

BR5
front: dual piston, vented 13.6" rotor
rear: single piston, vented 12.6" rotor

BR6
front: dual piston, vented 13.6" rotor
rear: single piston, vented 12.6" rotor
thicker front rotors?
high performance brake linings


The BR3 is used only on base SXT with 18" wheels.

The BR5 is the standard brakes on 5.7L R/T and also used on SXT with 20" wheels.

The BR6 is used with Super Track Pack or with M6 up through 2014. I believe it used to also include thicker front rotors but not sure if that is still the case.



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[Pauljw]

I have STP factory brakes on my car as well and I can tell you they suck. If you want to go fast on a track that's not an oval you are going to need to upgrade your brakes or just be satisfied with doing Autocross.

True, but the point I am making is, for a first time out as a total rookie, the car is most likely more than capable. I don't see the need to spend a bunch of money just to go run a few laps. I didn't, and me and my car survived. Now, if I find myself doing this more than a couple of times a year, upgrades will be on the menu.

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[TFSmith 383]

Looked at the Wilwood and Baer kits and I'm not willing to spend $2-$4000 on brakes unless this car were to become a dedicated track car. I'll probably just get some upgraded slotted rotors and upgraded pads at the most.

 

[LT1 Iron]

TF- After doing a bunch of research, I'm also down to deciding between Wilwood and Baer brake kits for R/T. I'm leaning towards the Baer, because they use a Corvette pad, so there are tons to choose from. Also the R/T bolt on setup they have is supposed to be low profile to fit under my 20x8 chrome clad ghetto wheels from the STP, so I wouldn't have to change out rims.

Also I'm just going to replace the front brakes with a six piston setup and forget about the rears, so should be able to do this for under $2000 or so. I will add stainless brake lines all around though, which is a must.

 

[turner56]

TF- After doing a bunch of research, I'm also down to deciding between Wilwood and Baer brake kits for R/T. I'm leaning towards the Baer, because they use a Corvette pad, so there are tons to choose from. Also the R/T bolt on setup they have is supposed to be low profile to fit under my 20x8 chrome clad ghetto wheels from the STP, so I wouldn't have to change out rims.

Also I'm just going to replace the front brakes with a six piston setup and forget about the rears, so should be able to do this for under $2000 or so. I will add stainless brake lines all around though, which is a must.

Just buy the takeoffs and save several thousand

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[LT1 Iron]

Paul- thanks for putting up the pic of your front brace. Do those black plastic caps on top of the strut towers just pop off or what?

 

[Pauljw]

Paul- thanks for putting up the pic of your front brace. Do those black plastic caps on top of the strut towers just pop off or what?

Yep,I just slid a flat blade screwdriver under the outside edge and gently lifted them off.

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[BlackHemi41]

There was a member of this forum, I believe it was Yahooligan, who did track days at places like Willow Springs. He had an R/T with no Brembos, and I remember him saying his brakes held up fine. I have no idea if he did any upgrades to them, but I think it's fine to say they'll handle a some hard laps without any drama. Again the important thing is that they are maintained and in good shape to begin with. Fresh fluid, lots of pad material.

 

[LT1 Iron]

Paul- did you have to cut out those black strut tower caps to fit the Petty bar?

 

[Pauljw]

Paul- did you have to cut out those black strut tower caps to fit the Petty bar?

Nope, they fit back on without any modification.

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